Honest Answers from the Plumbing Experts at Cardinal Plumbing & Drain Services

The right water heater size depends on household size, peak usage times, and how many hot-water appliances run at once.

As a general guide:

• 30 to 40 gallons for 1 to 3 people
• 40 to 50 gallons for 3 to 5 people
• 50 to 80 gallons for larger households

For tankless systems, sizing is based on flow rate, measured in gallons per minute. The system must handle multiple fixtures running at the same time.

If your water heater runs out of hot water frequently, it may be undersized or nearing the end of its lifespan.

Frequent toilet clogs usually point to one of the following:

• Excess toilet paper
• Flushing non-flushable items
• Older low-flow toilets with weak flushing power
• Partial blockages in the drain line
• Sewer line issues or tree root intrusion

If clogs happen repeatedly, the problem may be deeper in your plumbing system rather than the toilet itself. A professional inspection can determine the real cause.

Occasional use may clear minor buildup, but repeated use can cause problems.

Chemical cleaners can:

• Corrode metal pipes
• Damage older plumbing systems
• Disrupt septic system balance
• Fail to remove solid obstructions

For stubborn or recurring clogs, professional drain cleaning is safer and more effective.

Common causes include:

• Sediment buildup inside the tank
• Worn heating elements or thermostats
• Increased household demand
• Aging equipment

Water heaters typically last 8 to 12 years. If yours is nearing that range, replacement may be more cost-effective than repeated repairs.

For most homes, professional drain cleaning every 18 to 24 months helps prevent major blockages.

Homes with older sewer lines or frequent clogs may benefit from more frequent maintenance. Regular cleaning removes buildup before it turns into a costly backup.

We handle:

• Running toilets
• Weak flushing
• Clogs
• Leaks at the base or tank
• Broken handles and internal components
• Full toilet replacement when necessary

Most repairs can be completed during the first visit. You receive upfront pricing before any work begins.

Yes. We provide 24/7 emergency plumbing service throughout Kernersville and the Triad.

If you have a burst pipe, sewer backup, or major leak, call immediately. A live team member will answer and dispatch a technician as quickly as possible.

Yes. When appropriate, we use trenchless repair methods such as pipe lining or pipe bursting.

Trenchless solutions minimize yard disruption, preserve landscaping, and reduce repair time compared to traditional excavation.

A sewer camera inspection determines whether trenchless repair is a good fit for your situation.

We provide:

• Mechanical snaking and augering
• High-pressure hydro jetting
• Sewer video inspections
• Root cutting for outdoor lines

We choose the method based on the severity and location of the blockage to ensure long-term results.

Yes. We repair leaking or burst pipes and replace damaged sections as needed.

For homes with widespread corrosion or repeated leaks, whole-house repiping may be the most reliable long-term solution. We use modern materials designed for durability and code compliance.

Yes. We use advanced tools to locate hidden leaks inside walls, under slabs, or underground.

If you notice unexplained water bills, musty odors, or water stains, professional leak detection can prevent further structural damage.

We provide complete residential and light commercial plumbing services, including:

• Drain cleaning
• Sewer line repair and replacement
• Water heater repair and installation
• Tankless water heaters
• Leak detection
• Toilet and faucet repair
• Whole house repiping
• Emergency plumbing

If you are unsure whether we handle your specific issue, call and ask. We are happy to help.

Signs your main sewer line may need replacement include:

• Multiple drains backing up at the same time
• Sewage odors inside or outside the home
• Frequent clogs that keep returning
• Wet or sunken spots in your yard
• Gurgling sounds from toilets or drains

A sewer camera inspection is the fastest way to determine whether the issue is a simple blockage or structural pipe damage. In some cases, repair is possible. In others, full replacement is the most reliable long-term solution.

Standard drain cleaning typically involves mechanical snaking to break apart or remove blockages.

Hydro jetting uses high-pressure water to thoroughly clean the inside of the pipe. It removes grease, sludge, scale buildup, and even tree roots.

For recurring clogs or heavy buildup, hydro jetting often provides longer-lasting results than snaking alone.

The cost depends on several factors:

• Location and depth of the pipe
• Extent of damage
• Whether trenchless repair is possible
• Length of the affected line

After a video inspection, we provide upfront pricing and explain your repair options clearly so you can make an informed decision.

Trenchless repair can be an excellent option when conditions allow.

Benefits include:

• Minimal yard disruption
• Faster project completion
• Reduced restoration costs

However, trenchless is not always appropriate. Severely collapsed pipes or certain alignment issues may require traditional excavation. A professional inspection determines the best approach.

Recurring clogs often point to a deeper issue, such as:

• Grease buildup inside the pipe
• Tree root intrusion
• Pipe misalignment or sagging
• Partial sewer line collapse

If clogs return quickly after being cleared, a sewer camera inspection can identify the underlying cause so the problem is fixed permanently.

Repiping may be worth considering if your home has:

• Frequent pipe leaks
• Rust-colored or discolored water
• Low water pressure throughout the house
• Older galvanized steel piping
• Ongoing plumbing repair costs

Instead of continuing to patch individual leaks, repiping provides a long-term solution that improves reliability and water quality.